Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written a comic book / graphic novel, called Blind Prophet, which I actually converted from the original screenplay I wrote. We have the first of 4 of 7 planned episodes in print and combined them into a single volume called, “Blind Prophet, Part 1,” which is available on Amazon. We are publishing each episode separately on the Kindle, using the panel view feature.
I am also working on converting another of my screenplays into a traditional novel called, “When The Wood Is Dry.” It is likely that we will separate this work into three eBooks of about 100 pages each, once the editing is complete.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I had been writing screenplays, as an answer to a challenge from a Hollywood producer who suggested that if you don’t like the movies you are seeing, you should write your own. Well, the problem with that is Hollywood almost never makes the movie based on the spec script, and typically only use it to raise money, and then they use the money to make a completely different movie. I like to think of myself as an author who has something to say, not one who is writing to help Hollywood bilk investors out of money.
So, I am working on converting the three screenplays I have completed into more consumable formats, like comic books, graphic novels and novels.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write a step outline on a pad, typically in a public place, most comfortably with a glass of wine. I have been known to go on cruises, and sit an write all day while sipping cocktails. I don’t drink much, but find that some loosening is helpful.
Once the outline is finished, I work on the computer, in a much more pedestrian way. Mostly, the outline for me is the creative part. Then, once I send the work to the editor, I typically have the hard work to do of making it more interesting to read. I like to create the stories, and I wish there were someone I could just hand the outline to and have them do the rest, which is sort of what you do in the movie script. The director takes it and fills in what’s missing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Graham Greene, C.S. Lewis, Flannery O’Connor, J.R.R. Tolkien. I like exploring the moral dimension, and the Christian/Catholic writers are the ones that do that best.
What are you working on now?
I am working on publishing and promoting the Blind Prophet comic book series on the Kindle. I am simultaneously working on completing my novel, When The Wood Is Dry, which is with the editor, after an arduous rewrite.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write!
What are you reading now?
I’m writing, now…
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, I would say the Catholic Breviary, which would be 4 books! But, if we are talking fiction, likely The End Of The Affair by Graham Greene, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, and perhaps, A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving, and probably, A Good Man Is Hard To Find And Other Stories, by Flannery O’Connor.
Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Cillo, Jr. Website
Joseph Cillo, Jr. Amazon Profile
Joseph Cillo, Jr.’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account